The Worst Places To Find Local Real Estate Information
Articles - Mortgage
National TV and radio stories talk about something called the national real estate market. We are hearing about a market that does not exist.
by RobKosberg


National TV and radio stories talk about something called the national real estate market. We are hearing about a market that does not exist.

Without a doubt there are many states, cities and neighborhoods that have fared well during the real estate crisis. Some areas have seen real estate values stay flat while others have even seen a slight increase. The data differs from area to area so consider these facts.

There are 124,377,000 homes in the United States according to the most current American Housing Survey. These homes are within:

The data is based on all 50 states and there are too many neighborhoods to count with more than 30,000 incorporated cities.

And yet, the media repeatedly groups all 124 million homes into one giant lump and then gives an analysis. No matter how you slice and dice the data, a home in Oregon can't be compared to a home in Mississippi. This is why national real estate statistics are somewhat useless.

National real estate statistics are not useful. Look at a "local" real estate analysis for useful information. I'm referring to statistics from your "neighborhood" not your state. This is the best way to learn what is driving your neighborhood market.

Unfortunately, finding local data like this isn't easy; it's far too narrow to be covered by the press. So, the best place to get local real estate data is from a local real estate agent or from somebody else with access to raw real estate data in and around your neighborhood.

A local professional will know the market and will be better able to give you the information, "thumbs up" or "thumbs down "than any national media expert.

The idea of a national real estate market is a fallacy. The price of bread may be the same or similar from city to city but real estate is not. If you want local statistics, pursue the data locally.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.